Bills was selected by Ford Motor Co. as one of its Models of Courage, an 11-person team of cancer survivors who are on a national campaign to promote breast cancer awareness — as well as model the Warriors in Pink clothing and gear sold to benefit the fight.

"The whole experience has been amazing," Bills said. "Just being a part of the Warriors in Pink enabled me to interact with people who were going through the things I've gone through. I really didn't have anybody to reach out to who understood ... so being able to meet 10 other people like that was incredible."

The daughter of Holly and Dale Bills of Freeland, Bills said her mother read about the Models of Courage contest on Facebook and encouraged her to submit a 500-word essay to tell the story of her battle with breast cancer.

Essexville Garber and Central Michigan University graduate Nicole Bills led Central to its first ever appearance in the NCAA Regional Championships during a memorable junior season.

The 1996 Essexville Garber graduate, now 34 and working with Bank of America in Charlotte, N.C., said she received a response from Ford the very next day. She traveled to Los Angeles this summer to take part in a promotional campaign, which included a photo shoot and filming a 14-minute video that highlights the Models of Courage as positive examples in the fight against cancer.

Bills said the experience was not only therapeutic, but it opened her eyes to the notion that she could help inspire others who face the fight of their lives.

"Breast cancer isn't going away any time soon, more and more men and women are getting diagnosed every day," she said. "So I don't see my involvement in this cause ending any time soon.

"If I can help one person through the experience I went through, or if I can help make someone aware of the importance of examination, it's worthwhile."